Could anyone explain the differences between level 2 and 3 network switches? Is it reporting ability? Faster routing? Any guidance is appreciated, thanks!
In the OSI Networking Model, Layer two is the “data link” layer and layer three is the “network” layer. In real life, networking protocols don’t follow this model exactly (having some parts that perform the tasks of two or more layers.) Roughly, a layer two switch routes packets based on the data link protocol, which is usually some kind of Ethernet. Switches and hubs generally operate on layer two. A layer three switch is better known as a router. A router routes packets based on the networking protocol, such as IP, Appletalk, etc.
The main difference between layer-two and layer-three networks is that layer-two is hardware-based (Ethernet interfaces with MAC addresses, for example) and layer-three is software-based (IP drivers with user-assignable IP addresses, for example.)
I had a real difficult time understanding the difference at first as well. What Friedo said is basically correct, but the depth of knowledge required to understand the data and physical layer and decrpyt all that can be a bit much (at least it was when I was trying to learn the difference).
What started crystalizing it for me was an analogy.
Suppose I write a letter addressed to the roommate of a coworker. I put that letter in an envelope, address it to the proper recipient, and put it in the mailbox. The good ole USPS picks it up, and reads the outer envelope. The USPS is acting as a router - intelligently taking that piece of information inside that envelope and ‘routing’ it to the proper destination based on the information that exists on the envelope itself (the packet). The source (me) has no idea how it gets to the destination, and it doesn’t care. As long as it gets there, thats all I care about.
Now, suppose I take that letter that was in the envelope, and give it to my coworker directly. I ask him to give it to his roommate. At that point, my coworker is acting as a switch - just taking something from one spot, and delivering it somewhere else. Not as much intelligence about how it gets there is required from a switch.
This is a bit of an oversimplification - but it generally gets the point across.
Dunno if that helps at all with your original query.
Wow, excellent descriptions guys. I have of course studied the OSI model but like silk I’ve had problems digesting it. Thanks for the analogy, makes it much more clear how this works.
While the function(s) performed in these two things is similar, switches and routers go accomplish it in a different manner. Generally speaking, a switch performs its primary duty in the hardware (silicon logic device) and a router does this via software.